News & Recent Events

In order to keep you up to date with new developments at Kasten Marine Design, this page will contain
direct links to the most recently added content at this domain. Also, please check out our
Plans List web page for new designs
that we may have added.

2017

Projects: Designs that have recently been begun or are ongoing -
in order of overall length:

32' Terrier -
CNC cutting files are being developed... at last
the popular 32' Tug Yacht Terrier design will be available in kit form...!34' Yawl - A rounded
hull aluminum sail boat. Simple, rugged, elegant...!
Currently under development.43' White Buffalo - A conversion
of our
43' Roberta Jean trawler yacht
into a highly capable Motor Sailing Yacht.45m KLM - A
wooden KLM / Phinisi for chartering in Indonesia. Preliminary
design work is under way. Details to be released later in
2017.

Prototypes: New ideas that are simmering...

54' Far Horizon - A rugged
all-ocean trawler in the Far Horizon lineage intended
for steel or aluminum construction. The interior is ideal for two
couples cruising together, or a couple with their adult children. 50' Far Horizon - Another
all-ocean trawler in the Far Horizon lineage intended
for steel or aluminum construction. The interior is optimum for a
voyaging couple with young children, or for a couple who want to
accommodate two guests in the aft cabin.

2016

Projects: Designs that have recently been begun or are ongoing -
in order of overall length:

66' (20m) Sulawesi Privateer
- A classic brigantine-schooner intended as a charter yacht for a
couple, with four guests and four crew. Designed for
construction on the beach in Indonesia using top quality tropical
hardwoods. 43' White Buffalo - A conversion
of our
43' Roberta Jean trawler yacht
into a Motor Sailing Yacht. All the same conveniences of the
RJ 43, with the economy of also being a highly capable sailing
vessel.43' Roberta Jean - A robust all
aluminum trawler yacht. Large double berth forward, U-shaped
galley, and a head sufficiently large to contain... a bathtub...!
Paravane rig for simple roll attenuation, and an interior that is
intentionally un-crowded.42' Lucille - A ketch rigged motor
sailing yacht for sailing all waters from the tropics to the arctic.
An interior designed for comfortable cruising, a protected pilot
house, and open aft deck for sailing. NC Cutting Files have
been developed.

Prototypes: New ideas that are simmering...

135' (42m) Shadow Line - A
wooden barquentine for sail training... The name 'Shadow Line' is from
the Joseph Conrad story which describes a 'coming of age' - an
appropriate name for such a vessel...!131' (40m) Arabian Dhow - A Dhow
designed for wood or steel construction, able to carry cargo, or able to
be transformed into a spacious charter vessel. This prototype /
concept design is given a French Lugger rig - a practical solution that
is really not so far from the Lateen rigs carried by traditional Dhows.121' (37m) Peri Laut - A
dive charter yacht for SE Asia and beyond to accommodate 16 dive guests
in luxury. Steel hull, wood house, or all in fiberglass with a
wood surface on the house and throughout the interior.120' Motor Cargo Yacht - A steel yacht able to carry around 45 tons of
cargo to pay its way. A luxury cabin for charter guests to help
pay the fuel bill..! Highly seaworthy and very sea-kindly. A
unique sort of adventure, and... it's wholly deductible!
118' (36m) Lombok Privateer
- A wooden charter yacht for construction in Indonesia. Another in
the 'Privateer' lineage, offering superior accommodations in five luxury
guest suites with a classic
brigantine hull and rig.88' (27m) Dive Charter KLM - The
traditional KLM Pinisi designed specifically for Dive Charters in
Indonesia and elsewhere in SE Asia. Five luxury guest suites, a
swim deck, and ample crew to pamper guests.78' (25m) Tern
Schooner ODIN - A Bahamian schooner rig. Aluminum
construction. Long, lean and lanky... built for both comfort AND
speed. A spacious interior for two couples. Designed for all
ocean voyaging from the tropics to the arctic. 64' Amethyst - A Tern Schooner with
Bahamian rig. Larger sister to the 56' motor sailor,
Shiraz. Two completely private full size
staterooms with a roomy interior.56' (17m) Flores Privateer - A
classic brigantine schooner designed as a private yacht for a couple,
plus two informal guests and four crew. Designed for construction on the
beach in Indonesia using top quality tropical hardwoods. 50' Junk Rigged Landing Craft - A
true Landing Craft with bow door and all, but rigged as a Junk for fuel
efficient cargo transport and landing on the beach without any attendant
infrastructure. A cozy cabin for two couples... Wooden
construction for building on the beach. 45' Nomad - An aluminum trawler
yacht that combines the hull form of our
Petrel 43 and Gannet 45
designs, with the house structure of our
Vagabond 50 design. A large all-in-one galley / saloon / pilot
house for on-deck living with an all-around view.45' Gannet - An aluminum
trawler yacht in the tradition of our Coaster 40, and
43' Petrel designs.
A Flying Bridge, in-pilot-house dining, and a spacious galley and saloon.
A large owner's cabin forward, plus a guest cabin / office. 20' Launch - Whisper - A trailerable
electric launch for day trips or overnight camping. Ample seating
for four to six adventurers. The perfect picnic boat..!18' Pumpkin Seed - A trailerable
small "tug-launch" with cuddy cabin. The ultimate in simplicity
and comfortable camping on the water. Definitely cute...

2015

Projects: Designs that have recently been begun or are ongoing -
in order of overall length:

66' (20m) Sulawesi Privateer
- A classic brigantine-schooner intended as a charter yacht for a
couple, with four guests and four crew. Designed for
construction on the beach in Indonesia using top quality tropical
hardwoods. 42' Lucille - A ketch rigged motor
sailing yacht for sailing all waters from the tropics to the arctic.
An
interior designed for comfortable cruising, a protected pilot house,
and open aft deck for sailing. NC Cutting Files are being
developed.

2014

Projects: Designs that have recently been begun, are ongoing, or will soon be completed -
in order of overall length:

66' Sulawesi Privateer
- A classic brigantine-schooner intended for a couple, four guests,
and four crew. Designed for construction on the
beach in Indonesia using top quality tropical hardwoods. At 20
meters on deck length, it will be very economical to build. 42' Lucille - A ketch rigged motor
sailing yacht reminiscent of the great Herreshoff yachts. An
interior designed for comfortable cruising, a protected pilot house,
and open aft deck for sailing. NC Cutting Files are under
development.

Prototypes: New ideas that are simmering...

120' Leah - II - A modern
classic light and fast sailing yacht in aluminum. Fully
battened sails, twin keels, shoal draft, and no shortage of luxury
for owners, VIP guests, crew and others onboard. 102' (31m) Komodo Privateer -
A 31 meter (102') 'privateer' style charter yacht designed for
construction in Indonesia. Six luxury guest suites within a
smaller overall hull size than our Pinisi / KLM designs. 70' Ocean Express - A fast
semi-displacement motor yacht for construction in aluminum.
Two very large staterooms and a flying bridge...58' RADIAN - A fast sailing catamaran.
Slender hulls for maximum performance, but still capable of
supporting the cruising life.60' GREYHAWK - A sailing catamaran
for cruising, chartering, or for long range voyaging. Plenty
of room for the whole family.47' Dinah - A fast
modern cutter in aluminum. Designed for ocean sailing, with
shoal draft bulb keel and skeg rudder. Generous accommodations
for a couple with two guests.36' Vagabond - A 'pocket
trawler yacht' in aluminum. Designed for coastwise and ocean
cruising for two in comfort. A large pilot house / lounge and ample
accommodations.32' Skipjack Schooner - A
fast trailerable schooner in aluminum. The hull form is that of
a classic Skipjack, although much less wide, and intended for blue
water sailing...

2013

Projects: Designs that have recently been begun, are ongoing, or will soon be completed. -
in order of overall length:

61' Mermaid - With the
design work completed, our work continues
to support the BUILDING of the outstanding Mermaid, a brigantine styled after
the classic 1700's privateers. 50' Sarah - A modern fast sailing
aluminum cutter in the tradition of our 96'
Schooner Zebulun. Fully battened sails, swim step, sleek
rounded hull form, and a spacious layout for a couple and their
guests. Nice..!42' Lucille - Smaller sister to my 50' Lucille design, in hull form this ketch rigged motor-sailer is reminiscent of the
great Herreshoff yachts, with an interior designed for comfortable cruising.

Prototypes: New ideas...

36m (118') Arabian Dhow -
Designed for luxury charters in the Arabian Sea, serving Dubai and
Oman. Ample room for eight charter guests, plus a large deluxe
suite for the owners.82' Schooner Royalist - A
replica of the original Royalist, owned by the first White Rajah of
Sarawak James Brooke. Intended for construction in Kuching, Sarawak,
Malaysia. 66' Sulawesi Schooner
- A classic schooner intended for a couple, four
guests, and four crew. Designed for construction on the
beach in Indonesia, its cost would not be much.55' Euro Express - A fast semi-planing
motor yacht for the Mediterranean... A flying bridge that
still allows full access to the EU canal system... Two luxury
cabins... 20 to 22 knots on tap. Good..!48' Awahnee III - An adaptation of
the slightly larger Uffa Fox designed Awahnee I and
Awahnee II sailed by Bob Griffith and family on three
circumnavigations, here planned for construction in steel.43' White Buffalo - A
motor sailing yacht virtually identical to our
43' Roberta Jean. The perfect
live-aboard layout for two...? Very possibly. 38' China Cat - A capable offshore
centerboard yacht in a classic package. Plenty of interior
room, and worldwide access to waters over 4 feet in depth. The
perfect live-aboard yacht...?28' China Cat - A small junk rigged
yacht with fantail stern and flush deck type of cabin. The ideal
pocket cruiser...? Possibly..!

2012

Projects: Designs that have recently been begun, are ongoing, or will soon be completed. -
in order of overall length:

66' Asgard - A Viking Ship...? Yes
- having been inspired by those craft, the Asgard is so named.
A double ended hull with survivability in ultimate conditions, but
also... a touch of luxury for two couples..!61' Mermaid - Work continues
toward BUILDING the outstanding Mermaid, a brigantine styled after
the excellent 1700's privateers. 44' Valhalla - Inspiration for this
vessel was Viking craft, Whaleboats and Coast Guard surf boats, all double ended for maximum seaworthiness. Plenty of room for living
aboard.42' Lucille - Smaller sister to my 50' Lucille design, in hull form this ketch rigged motor-sailer is reminiscent of the
great Herreshoff yachts, with an interior planned for comfortable cruising.33' Freyja - The assignment here was to
create the smallest, most seaworthy live-aboard vessel possible, and to
do so without crowding the interior.

Prototypes: New ideas...

82' Royalist - Schooner of
the first White Rajah of Sarawak, James Brooke, who turned out to be
the inspiration for Joseph Conrad's novel Lord Jim. A replica
project for construction in Kuching...82' Peregrine
- A long and sleek motor-sharpie type with aft pilot house. An
extended version of our 64' Peregrine prototype suited to
all-ocean cruising, or the canals and rivers of the world.80' Fantail Steamer - A
classic fantail yacht harking back to the days of the steamer.
An all-ocean classic yacht.70' Peregrine-on-Thames
- An extremely shoal draft sailing "barge" somewhat along the
lines of the classic Thames Sailing Barges, but built in aluminum or
steel, and having a fantail stern.70' Arabian Dhow - A
traditional "Baghala" type of Arabian Dhow arranged as a private
sailing yacht with two guest staterooms. Wood plank-on-frame structure
or cold moulded structure.36' Molly - A compact 'Dream
Yacht' intended for simple construction in steel or aluminum,
economical propulsion, and a spacious layout for two to live aboard.
The ideal canal cruiser...!30' Ernest
Shackelton - A rescue vessel...! Intended to be the
ultimate trailerable and floatable home in the event of natural or
unnatural disasters.

2011

Projects: Designs that have recently been begun, are ongoing, or will soon be completed. -
in order of overall length:

Mermaid 61 - Work continues on an all aluminum brigantine styled after the 1700's privateers. Wow..!Far Horizon 46 - A stout all-ocean trawler designed for a family of four with world cruising capabilities. Construction in steel or aluminum.42' Lucille - Smaller sister to my 50' Lucille design, in hull form this ketch rigged motor-sailer is reminiscent of the
great Herreshoff yachts, with an interior planned for comfortable cruising.

Prototypes: New ideas...

37m (120') Chief Seattle (120')
- A classic Grand Banks racing-fishing schooner styled after the
Bluenose, but planned for construction in aluminum...!100'
Cargo Skipjack - A 100' live-aboard cargo-yacht.
Simple construction, easy maintenance, fast sailing... Another
fine prototype in our Skipjack series...Cleopatra's Galley - A 100' true Egyptian ship of state from the age of Cleopatra for dinner
cruises in and around Singapore, driven by... oars..! Amazon 100'
- Conceived as a medical supply vessel, but quite adaptable to a low
profile yacht or tour boat, especially well suited to shoal water and low
overhead clearance of river systems and canals of the world.100' North Coast
- A motor yacht of generous proportions for world cruising.85' Lady Destiny - An
expeditionary sailing junk in steel, intended for an extended family
of 8 people, or for luxury charters.82' Peregrine
- A long and sleek motor-sharpie type with aft pilot house. An
extended version of our 64' Peregrine prototype suited to
all-ocean cruising, or the canals and rivers of the world.80' Fantail Steamer - A
classic fantail yacht harking back to the days of the steamer.
An all-ocean classic yacht.80' Trawler Yacht - A
plumb stem low profile trawler yacht somewhat in the Lapworth tradition (see
Voyaging Under Power, first edition, p.80).80' Power Trimaran,
TROIKA - A
uniquely styled modern trimaran for voyaging under power. The
comforts of a true pilot house. Simplicity of propulsion, and
an optional get-home sail rig.49' Black Jack - Another in the
Rhumb Runner series, this time using
a unique hull form derived from a sailing Skipjack..!48' Spray - Revisiting Joshua
Slocum's original Spray. Can it be improved...?48' Hiawatha - An aluminum ketch
with a hull form in the tradition of the fast Grand Banks schooners,
with an interior planned for comfortable cruising and living aboard.43' Far Horizon - A stout
all-ocean trawler intended for steel or aluminum construction.43' Petrel - A
widebody dive yacht for worldwide travel. Similar to our Coaster 40
design, but with a wide saloon and integral swim platform. 41' Jasper - A motor-sailing
ketch for comfortable cruising whether on the ocean or on inland
waters. A pilot house, plus generous sleeping accommodations.40' Far Horizon -
Another prototype in the Far Horizon series... a robust all-ocean
trawler yacht with live-aboard comfort for a couple and occasional
guests.32' Pilgrim - A fantail cutter
intended for construction in steel, aluminum or plywood. Two
sizes, most recently at 32' on deck.

2010

Projects: Designs begun or that were on-going during the year - in order of overall length:

30m (98') Wooden Sailing Pinisi - A plank-on-frame Indonesian
Pinisi Schooner. Now under construction, Borneo.Mermaid 61 - An all
aluminum brigantine styled after the 1700's privateers.42' Zephyr - A simple and graceful steel ketch for ocean voyaging in style and in
comfort. Updated sail rig and new images.48' Jasmine -
An aluminum junk schooner with electric drive. Newly
updated to include pilot house option.36' Drifter -
An economical habitat for our trying times: An easily built
houseboat...! Newly updated content.

ADVENTURES IN INDONESIA

Once in a great while we get to go on some sort of adventure.
You can review some of that wildness among
the following links.

In 2001, I traveled to Indonesia to research the wooden boat building methods of the Bugis / Konjo
boat builders of South Sulawesi. This adventure took us from Bali to Sulawesi to meet the builders,
and then from Sulawesi to Kalimantan (Borneo) to visit an active boat building site. While in
Kalimantan we lofted the shape and built the mould frames for a traditional wooden
Indonesian Pinisi, the 36 meter
Silolona, the design of which we completed during 2001 and 2002.

At the end of 2004 I traveled to Indonesia and sailed for
several weeks aboard the
Silolona. It was an excellent trip! You will find more of that story on our
Silolona Homecoming page.

During the spring of 2006 LI once again visited Indonesia to begin
construction of a new 36
meter Indonesian Motor Sailor
the Dunia Baru. We traveled to Sangkulirang, Kalimantan
Timur (East Borneo) where we lofted the shape and built the mould
frames in the equatorial heat..! We did get a nice trip up the
Sangkulirang River afterward among the proboscis monkeys, hornbills
and caymans. Wild..!